The 12 vertebrae of the thoracic spine represent the central portion of the spinal column, the bony tower that provides postural support for standing and sitting and also houses the spinal cord. The ...

The vertebral column’s most important physiologic function is protecting the spinal cord, which is the main avenue for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord is ...

The spine, or backbone, is a long column of bones that runs down the center of a person’s back. It is essential for many functions, such as movement, support, and protecting the spinal cord. A ...

It has long been known that the identity of each vertebra is due to the activation of a class of genes called "Hox." Now, researchers in Portugal show that besides determining the identity of the ...